Basic Human Genetics course: Genetics for Dummies

Fuelled by successful applications of Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) and High Throughput (HT) Sequencing in various disease areas, this course is meant to give some introductory background for people wanting to start or become involved in such studies, or just want to know what it is all about. Mostly, these will be people who are specialized in the diseases and/or traits of interest, but do not have the necessary genetic background knowledge.

It will explain the basic concepts in human genetics, and more in particular “Complex Genetics”. This is the scientific discipline that studies the role of genetic variation in common complex diseases (such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, etc.) and traits (such as blood pressure, BMD, glucose level, height, cholesterol level, etc.).

Date: Nov 6-7, 2014

Target audience: The target audience includes -but is not limited to- Master of Science students, technicians, PhD students, post-docs, assistant/associate/full professors with an interest in genetic studies. These may come from various disciplines and from a clinical, basic/biological, epidemiological or public health background.

Program: In “Genetics for Dummies” five experienced lecturers from Erasmus MC will introduce you to basic concepts in complex genetics, laboratory techniques, and statistical analytical issues. The program is built on four half days, each of which is covered by one speaker. After every talk, much time is reserved for Questions and Answers, to get interactivity with the participants.

Course website: http://www.molmed.nl